Reface, Restain, or Replace? What is the Best Solution for your Kitchen Cabinets?

Refacing Existing Cabinets
Although it may seem a simple solution, refacing existing cabinets is often problematic, and sometimes results in the more time-consuming, even costly, result. Refacing is only advisable if your existing cabinets are very special, well-built, and the boxes are in good condition. Often touted as the affordable solution, refacing cabinets can lead to extensive additional costs, and unexpected functionality issues if the base of the cabinet is not up too par.

In addition to a strong box, the base of your cabinet structure should be built to allow maximum utilization of storage space, while utilizing the kitchen layout to its fullest potential. Older cabinet frames are often bulky, due to building methods and materials; whereas the newer, quality systems are built to maximize storage space wherever possible.
Older cabinet boxes also often require repair which degrades the base of your beautiful new cabinetry. We will assist you in understanding any issues that limit perfect functionality and appearance of your new kitchen cabinets.

You need to start with something special before you even consider refacing or restaining, such as:

really great granite countertops that you’re very happy with,

really cool and unique cabinets that fit the character of the home and your needs,

good bones without a lot of inherent problems such as rotting wood and good initial construction.

Low quality cabinets using cheap track built cabinetry, particle board interiors, poor lay-out and design, or particleboard drawers with insufficient hardware and finish may look good enough to sell the house but problems are inevitable. Often the kitchen contractor ends up rebuilding a custom kitchen on a bad foundation. By the time you wind up buying and installing new quality doors, drawers boxes, and new hardware it’s just not worth the time and expense.

Should refacing be the best solution for your kitchen, we will guide you through your options and help you to find the hardware, style and materials that will give your kitchen a boost.

Stock (Pre-Fab) Cabinets
Stock cabinets are pre-built to standard sizes and may be a cost-efficient option, depending on the condition, quality and dimensions of your kitchen. Before choosing stock cabinets as your remodeling option, a thorough inspection of the area is essential in determining how well the product will meet your goals, enhance the kitchen plan, and fit the space. Stock cabinets replace your existing cabinets, and the surrounding area may require additional adjustment to fit properly. The cabinets will be installed as they are sold by the manufacturer.

Semi-Custom Cabinets
If your kitchen spaces will accommodate standard sized cabinets, a semi-custom solution may also be a reasonable option. Your old cabinetry will be removed, and stock cabinets, which have been modified with available options, will be installed. These cabinets offer moderate customization of the basic style with choices of wood, crown molding, decorative accents, and basic gadgets.

Custom Cabinets
Custom cabinets are by far the best value for your money. Custom cabinets are ordered specifically for your kitchen, based on your development plan and goals. They may be based on stock cabinets from a cabinetmaker’s catalog, or hand-crafted.

Custom cabinet installation begins with detailed measurement of the kitchen, preparation of a computer-generated layout, and precise design of all features of your kitchen. Each detail of the cabinet is selected specifically for your project, and premium line cabinetry is utilized. This option gives you total flexibility with both the cabinet design and layout, but also the other areas of the kitchen.

Islands, partitions, special cabinet spaces, and functional gadgets such as pull-outs and specialty racks, shelving and detailed spacing layouts allow us to provide you with the most useful space planning and convenience features.

Give us a call at (951) 522-4498 to discuss your goals, budget and options. We will assist you in finding the AFFORDABLE solutions that will give you the best value for your money, and ensure beauty, performance, and functionality for years to come!